Rod bore these attacks and
insulting remarks as well as he could, and refrained from open
hostility. But what Sammie had done and said rankled in his heart and
mind for the rest of the day, causing him to lie awake for some time
that night thinking it all over.
He confided his thoughts to no one, however, but the next morning as he
left for school, there was a new look of determination in his eyes, and
he trudged along the road with head held high, and his shoulders thrown
back, while occasionally his hands clenched hard together.
For the first half of the noon-hour nothing happened. Whether Sammie
divined Rod's purpose is hard to say. Anyway, he devoted his attention
to others, especially the little girls, whom he teased unmercifully.
Rod watched this performance with interest, mingled with indignation.
Twice he was tempted to interfere, but each time he hesitated and went
on with his play. But when at length one little girl began to scream
with pain, he could control himself no longer. With flashing eyes he
sprang toward the tormentor, and demanded that he should leave Nancy
alone.
For an instant only Sammie stared, amazed to think that any one would
dare to be so bold with him.
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